The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has said that the Task Force constituted on the Unified Framework for Development of Coaching Ecosystem in India has submitted its report. The report outlines a comprehensive national framework for the development, accreditation and professionalisation of sports coaches across the country. It has also made actionable recommendations aimed at creating a robust, inclusive and future-ready coaching ecosystem. 

 

The Task Force, led by Indian badminton national head coach Pullela Gopichand, examined key aspects of coach education and training, including the quality and availability of coaches, academic reforms in coach education, and systemic measures to strengthen capacity building. The Task Force has called for the establishment of a National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) as the apex national body for coach education, accreditation and governance. The NCAB will be responsible for setting national standards, approving coaching pathways, accrediting institutions, and ensuring consistency, transparency and quality across all sports and regions.

 

It has also proposed a Tiered National Coaching Pathway comprising Grassroots, Intermediate, Elite and National Team Coach levels. The Ministry added that drawing inspiration from the successful Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for athletes, the Task Force has recommended a dedicated “TOPS for Coaches” model. Under this initiative, high-potential and high-performing coaches will receive structured financial and institutional support for advanced training, technology adoption, specialised support services and innovation in coaching practices.